YouLookFab Forum » Topic: car shopping

YouLookFab Forum » Topic: car shopping https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 15:09:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php Jjsloane on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1279716 Tue, 17 Jun 2014 00:05:53 +0000 Jjsloane 1279716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I'm not the best at recommending cars as my method is to buy one new and keep it for 12 years (when it starts to need very expensive repairs). I just replaced my 2002 Subaru Outback Sport with a 2015 (yes it's negative 6 months) Subaru Forester. Before that it was a 1989 Mazda 323. I had a great experience with my last Subaru and I'm hoping for many happy years with this one. It will likely be my son's first car (he's 9 - so I may get a new one in 7 years this time!). I like the all wheel drive, I like the handling and the visibility. It feels solid and holds a lot while getting decent mileage. I had 114K miles on my last one and it finally needed a new clutch (Anna) so I traded it (too pricey a repair for a 12 year old car). I prefer manual for the control and am not much into lots of extras, but I only drive to and from work mostly and my commute is 20 minutes each way. I do think it's a personal choice as to what you like the looks of, what meets your safety, mileage, comfort criteria and of course price range. I used Truecar (a buying service through my work) and it was quite painless. I did all my homework, knew what I wanted, how much it was and I handed a paper to the salesman with the negotiated price (confirmed a good deal on Edmonds). He asked if I wanted green or blue (BLUE of course!) - I knew what he had on the lot already.   Alexandra on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1275383 Wed, 11 Jun 2014 14:14:53 +0000 Alexandra 1275383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ May I recommend Hyundai Elantra? I love mine (5 years) very much, it's fully loaded AND has manual transmission, which was a must-have for me. My husband chose the Elantra Touring - that's the hatchback version - and loves it as much as I love mine. Astrid on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1274255 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 06:42:35 +0000 Astrid 1274255@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Another vote for a Nissan. My parents have a small Nissan as a second car (first is Peugeot), the Nissan Micra. Not sure if that one is available in the US, but I love that car. It's really small and you have no problems with parking, I love driving it and it's so roomy for a car that size. Grown persons sit very comfortably in the back, you wouldn't believe it looking at it. And there's enough room in the trunk. This is the look from five years back though, I think the design is a bit different now. It's not a diesel engine though (the Peugeot is). Other than that a VW Golf is certainly nice, although more expensive in comparison to other models. Anonymous on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1274168 Tue, 10 Jun 2014 02:44:42 +0000 Anonymous 1274168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I really don't like driving. My last car was nine years old and had 54K on it. I just bought a new car last year because now that Vix is in school, I couldn't rely on biking or the bus any more to get home. I was especially tired of bike commutes in the thick of winter (had a couple crashes pre-kids). So I have driven more this year than ever before. We got an Escape last summer, and so far I am happy with it. Our other car is a 4 year old F150 Supercab (we traded in my old car and Chris's old truck for a new truck). But apart from short commutes, heavy errands, and kid lessons (10-30 mins) we try and walk everywhere we can. retailgirl on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1273858 Mon, 09 Jun 2014 20:56:35 +0000 retailgirl 1273858@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I am on my third toyota corolla, ten yrs. old and 100000 miles. The first one was seven years old and over 150000 miles, and the second was eleven years old and 120000 miles.i only ever had to replace brakes and tires. I'll probably buy another one, too. My husband had a scion xa that he loved...it was manual and little and peppy. rachylou on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1268316 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 18:07:15 +0000 rachylou 1268316@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I will say my VW - I've 200K+ on it, and have only had to do routine parts replacement (after the first month, when the starter died straight off the bat while I was on a country road and the VW service that came with the car, the folks had no idea how to find me on a country road - I was very lucky my mum was with me and had Triple A). BUT I serviced the car faithfully every quarter up until last year. By all reports, you don't do this, and the engine falls out of the car. I did nothing for my Hondas. Nothing. Maybe an oil change once a year. They all ran beautifully forever, and I never once sold a Honda because it was starting to go. Also, my Passat is premium gas only, which is demoralising at the pump. On the third hand, the VW has torque. Hondas, by design, do not focus on delivering torque. You may ask why I have a VW Passat: An ex-boss made me. He said I was cramping his style, and he was very serious about it. The VW was a compromise, because I can only go so flash in a car. cheryle (Dianthus) on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1267856 Tue, 03 Jun 2014 03:07:23 +0000 cheryle (Dianthus) 1267856@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I was hesitant to recommend mine because it seems to be a love it or hate it style but a few others mentioned it so what the heck. I bought a Juke two years ago.  I got the model with the moonroof, heated seats, and climate control.  I drove the mini too and liked it but when I got in the Juke it felt like home immediately.  It is peppy as can be and fun to drive.  Mine is red and has a 6 speed manual.  FUN. DonnaF on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265994 Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:21:13 +0000 DonnaF 1265994@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ We bought our Honda Fit about seven years ago because it could hold 500 boxes of Girl Scout cookies.  I'm short with short legs, and my biggest complaint is that the driver's seat doesn't really adjust enough for me, but I believe they changed it the year after we purchased. Have you looked into the Ford Focus?  It gets better mileage, and the hatchback holds more in the back than other small cars.  We don't like to expose anything we're carrying (so have that shade-like thingy for both Fit and Focus) to lessen the possibility of break-ins.  The hatchback Focus, even without the seats down, holds much more than most trunks.  If you shell out for TOTL Focus, it has the laser beams and parallel parks for you.  We never considered it, but I wanted to get a demo anyway! lyn* on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265961 Sat, 31 May 2014 23:31:10 +0000 lyn* 1265961@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 100 on a 14 year old car here cinnamon fern on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265822 Sat, 31 May 2014 19:12:03 +0000 cinnamon fern 1265822@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ 34k on a seven year old car - that's impressive!  I thought I was doing well with 155 on a 17 year old car:) Helen on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265731 Sat, 31 May 2014 17:36:46 +0000 Helen 1265731@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I drive a Subaru forester. Not so good looking but I do feel safer when I am driving in rain or snow. But of course the trade off is it suck in more gas coz the four wheel drive system...yea angie i agree with u....I miss the days when my ex husband was driving while I was doing my make up in the passenger seat~ Angie on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265648 Sat, 31 May 2014 16:04:39 +0000 Angie 1265648@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Thanks, Lyn. It's all relative, right. xo Greg drives Audis. I think he's on his 5th one? It will be interesting to see if he changes to another brand of car.  Subarus are VERY popular in Seattle. They are ideal for the terrain and weather here - to Anna's point. That's also why I love my VW Golf. A solid, well made, reliable and practical car for hilly and wet Seattle that looks fun too.  So I also don't drive a lot at all - because I do not like driving. My seven year old car has 34k on the clock. It has never had anything wrong with it. It's serviced every 10 000 miles and that's it.  annagybe on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265214 Fri, 30 May 2014 23:10:21 +0000 annagybe 1265214@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <a rel="nofollow" href="http://community.cartalk.com/discussion/759410/clutch-eating-minis">http://community.cartalk.com/d.....ting-minis</a> ETA See first comment <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cartalk.com/blogs/tom-ray/today-still-not-ok-overuse-clutch">http://www.cartalk.com/blogs/t.....use-clutch</a> The dealer said it was my driving habits that killed the clutch. Drove with a mechanic after replacing clutch at less than 30K. He said it was not my driving style. However I do live in Seattle proper. Top ten worst traffic in the nation and lots of big hills. But yes I commute by bus, except when on call. Next car is going to be a Subaru cinnamon fern on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265164 Fri, 30 May 2014 22:05:46 +0000 cinnamon fern 1265164@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Anna, that sucks!  The Golf I just sold was still on its original clutch, at 155000 miles.  And don't you commute on public transport? lyn* on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265130 Fri, 30 May 2014 21:05:16 +0000 lyn* 1265130@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I took the Smart Car out for a test drive x2 and drove my buddy's once; and was a passenger once. I guess I'm comparing it to my own solid tank Mo on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1265015 Fri, 30 May 2014 17:31:30 +0000 Mo 1265015@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I hesitate to jump in, as car recommendations can get pretty subjective.  What one gal 'loves' won't matter a whit to the next person.  My BF has had a number of demo cars these last months for work.  He was very unimpressed with the ride of the Toyota Corolla.  Felt rickety at high speeds on the Hwy.  We are both pleasantly surprised with the Nissan Juke he's had this last month.  I would have dismissed it out of hand, had I not actually rode in (and now driven) it first.  The Mini Cooper is not as comfortable a ride.  The newer VW Beetles are very rough.  The best ride was a Cadillac coupe, but a bit beyond budget.   We are in the market for a car ourselves, and BF is taking his own sweet time about it, to get the right one.  We have 4WD as a first and foremost factor, so our search may not matter in your terms.  Subaru and Audi are at the top of our list.  The Audi S5 is just a bit too much $$ but we are hunting for the perfect gently used year or two old one to knock down that cost.   Good luck in your hunt!  Laura (rhubarbgirl) on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping/page/2#post-1264964 Fri, 30 May 2014 16:28:17 +0000 Laura (rhubarbgirl) 1264964@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I agree with rabbit, in the US Hondas and Toyotas, both the car itself and parts/service, are going to be cheaper than any of the German options. I've had friends that have had bad experiences with VWs but that was a few years ago. My friends who have Subarus love them, but again they are more expensive to buy and service because of the four wheel drive and jazz, so if you don't need that and you're trying to minimize costs I don't know if it's worth it. I test drove the Mini Cooper before I bought my Insight and although it was cute and decently made, I just couldn't get used to the dash layout and how i felt so cramped inside. It's actually not that small so maybe it's just that I'm tall? I was bummed, because they're such cute cars and I know BMW makes a quality product (but then I've never felt comfortable in BMW interiors either - there's no space to put anything!). abc on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264619 Fri, 30 May 2014 03:07:43 +0000 abc 1264619@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ My needs are the same as yours and here are some I've looked into: Vw golf Fiat 500 Mini Cooper Vw beetle Vw gti Audi a1 if they're in the USA now Good luck. Lots of good advice on this thread! cinnamon fern on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264613 Fri, 30 May 2014 02:57:29 +0000 cinnamon fern 1264613@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love Smart Cars!  But can they fit me + partner + two large dogs?  I think not ... Test drove a diesel Golf this afternoon.  Six gears! Angie on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264585 Fri, 30 May 2014 02:31:51 +0000 Angie 1264585@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Actually, I think the opposite, Lyn. You feel like you are driving a sturdy German car when driving a Smart Car. It's very solid, heavy and smooth. Not dinky and plastic-y at all. Have you driven one - or were you a passenger?  Hah, Aida. And high five.  Aida on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264545 Fri, 30 May 2014 01:57:22 +0000 Aida 1264545@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ A girlfriend of mine recently sold her old Celica and got a Nissan Juke, and said it's a lot of fun (more than she expected). I'm with Angie on the German cars for myself, their designers think the way I do. I have a Mercedes C240 4M, not as sporty as the ones you're looking at, but a good sports sedan. Probably going to upgrade to one of the newer 300s sometime this year. Although if I had it my way I'd also get an old '69 Datsun 240z as my "fun car" ^^ lyn* on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264383 Thu, 29 May 2014 23:09:15 +0000 lyn* 1264383@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ The Smart Car is made by Mercedes - my friend has one! It's a really fun ride, although does feel like you're driving a little toy plastic car! His is made up to look like a bumble bee (yellow panels with black stripes) and he has a vanity plate that is a variation on "Bzz-zzz" annagybe on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264379 Thu, 29 May 2014 23:02:08 +0000 annagybe 1264379@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ Don't get a Mini Cooper. I have an '08. The clutch went out way too early and was horrendously expensive to replace.  lyn* on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264372 Thu, 29 May 2014 22:58:39 +0000 lyn* 1264372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I bought my Honda CRV for that price used (3 years coming off a lease) and I've had it for 14 years. It's a killer car and it is small enough for me to get into the tiny tiny parking spaces (I have a 2000 model, it's smaller than the new ones out now).  I really like having a bigger car because it's easier to get in and out of. I'd say you should try to test drive the Fit. I had trouble getting in/out of it, especially in heels. I didn't like the finish of it either.  I love the Mini Cooper though, that may be my next car. rabbit on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264283 Thu, 29 May 2014 21:10:53 +0000 rabbit 1264283@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ One thing in the honda/toyota vs.  VW equation is the cost of parts and tuneups if you are getting a used car or planning to hold onto it for a long time.  In the US VW parts, even silly little cosmetic things are much more expensive in my experience.  This consumer reports article is good about breaking down cars by 'cost to own' over time - especially the lists at the bottom: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://consumerreports.org/cro/2012/12/what-that-car-really-costs-to-own/index.htm">http://consumerreports.org/cro...../index.htm</a> Angie on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264268 Thu, 29 May 2014 21:00:52 +0000 Angie 1264268@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ German cars for us, although I have driven my fair share of very reliable hatchback Toyotas. VW Golf wins hands down for me - over and over again. My car stands outside all year long - and it's very, very reliable in hilly and wet Seattle.  If it weren't for the fact that we have guests regularly - I'd be driving a white or lime Smart Car. It's made by Mercedes (or Porche?) - so it's also a little German car. I LOVE that little Smart Car.  rachylou on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264232 Thu, 29 May 2014 20:24:44 +0000 rachylou 1264232@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I drive a VW Passat wagon. Hands down, Honda beats VW, except for the cool factor. But if cool is important, I'd vote for another VW Golf. Desmo April on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264226 Thu, 29 May 2014 20:15:25 +0000 Desmo April 1264226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I love my C30, I bought it used in your price range but it was tough to find in a manual. That is my number one requirement--stick shift. Plus I have a preference for turbos. I had a Jetta 1.8T for years and it started having oil problems at the end. This was with a reputable VW mechanic. I prefer used but If you had to go new I'd consider a Fiat as well, it fits all of your criteria. Glory on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264210 Thu, 29 May 2014 19:48:04 +0000 Glory 1264210@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ another honda owner but the CRV. I love it - fits three kids plus all their hockey gear. Great in our crazy winters and I have never gotten stuck. It is now over 10 years old but still running great. viva on "car shopping" https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/car-shopping#post-1264196 Thu, 29 May 2014 19:26:45 +0000 viva 1264196@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ I have been driving a Mini Cooper for the last six years and it is the first car I have ever loved. You need snow tires for deep snow but otherwise it's a fantastic car and meets all of your needs, plus it retains its value like nobody's business. Might be hard to get a new one now under $20k -- mine was very close -- but you can get a used one for close to that, and they are awesome. Just make sure you get one from a later model year, after they changed out the engine, for better performance.